Ram Air Turbine Power Switching for Stable Aircraft AC Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ram air turbines (RATs) used in aircraft face challenges in efficiently providing alternating current (AC) power, particularly during varying load conditions and wind speed fluctuations, which can disrupt power supply to aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a controller to manage the deployment of a RAT and an inverter, using switches to distribute power between the RAT and aircraft components, ensuring simultaneous or sequential power provision based on load conditions and wind speed, with an energy storage device to stabilize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RAT is used to provide AC power during varying load conditions, then the aircraft component receives power from an emergency source, but the power supply becomes unstable due to wind speed fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage device (battery or capacitor) as an intermediary between the RAT and the aircraft component. This energy storage device absorbs power fluctuations from the RAT and provides stable power to the aircraft component, mediating the instability caused by wind speed variations while maintaining reliable power supply during emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources (RAT, inverter, energy storage device) based on real-time conditions such as wind speed and load requirements. The controller adjusts power distribution parameters to maintain stable output despite variations in RAT performance, effectively using parameter changes to resolve the stability-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If the RAT deploys to provide power during emergency conditions, then the aircraft component receives emergency power, but the power distribution becomes complex requiring multiple switches and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device serves multiple functions: it stabilizes power from the RAT, provides backup power when RAT is insufficient, and charges during normal operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilization systems and simplifies the overall power distribution architecture while maintaining reliable emergency power provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device automatically regulates power flow between the RAT and aircraft component without requiring complex external control mechanisms. It self-charges when excess power is available and self-discharges when power is needed, reducing the complexity of active control systems while ensuring reliable emergency power delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between RAT and inverter power sources, then the power supply adapts to different load conditions, but the switching control becomes complex requiring a sophisticated controller
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from power sensors to automatically determine when to switch between power sources. By monitoring power levels and load conditions, the controller receives real-time feedback and adjusts power source selection accordingly, enabling adaptable power distribution without requiring complex manual control logic or sophisticated algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively provides stable AC power to aircraft components by switching between RAT and inverter power sources, optimizing power distribution during peak, light, and low-speed conditions, ensuring continuous and efficient energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device to stabilize power delivery
Implementation Method 2
an inverter to provide the AC power to the aircraft component
Implementation Method 3
Ram air turbines produce electrical power by transferring the rotational energy of the turbine to a power conversion device
Implementation Method 4
by utilizing air flow to rotate a turbine
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing alternating current (AC) power to an aircraft component includes a ram air turbine (RAT) (100) configured to generate AC power. The system also includes an energy storage device (208) configured to output direct current (DC) power. The system also includes an inverter (210) configured to convert the DC power to the AC power. The system also includes a controller (206) coupled to the RAT and the inverter and configured to cause the inverter to provide the AC power to the aircraft component, and to control the RAT to provide the AC power to the aircraft component in response to determining that the RAT can provide the AC power.